Emperor Fushimi Facts for Kids

Before he became emperor, his personal name was Hirohito-shinnō (熈仁親王). It's important to know that this Hirohito is different from the 20th-century Emperor Shōwa, even though their names sound the same in English. Their names are written with different Japanese characters (kanji).

Emperor Fushimi was the second son of Emperor Go-Fukakusa. His family line was known as the Jimyōin-tō.

Emperor Fushimi's Family

Emperor Fushimi had several children. Two of his sons later became emperors themselves:

His first son, Imperial Prince Tanehito, became Emperor Go-Fushimi.
His fourth son, Imperial Prince Tomihito, became Emperor Hanazono.

His main wife was Saionji (Fujiwara) Shoshi, also known as Eifukumon’In.

Emperor Fushimi's Time as Ruler

Emperor Fushimi became the Crown Prince and heir to his cousin, Emperor Go-Uda. This happened because Fushimi's father, Emperor Go-Fukakusa, worked hard to make sure his son would be chosen.

In 1287, Emperor Go-Uda stepped down from the throne. Fushimi then officially became the new emperor.

For a while, two different family lines took turns ruling Japan. This caused some disagreements. Two years after Fushimi became emperor, his father, Emperor Go-Fukakusa, stopped being a "Cloistered Emperor" (an emperor who has retired but still holds power). This meant Emperor Fushimi took full control.

In 1289, Emperor Fushimi made his own son, who would become Emperor Go-Fushimi, the Crown Prince. This made the other family line, the Daikakuji line, very unhappy. In 1290, there was even an attempt to assassinate Emperor Fushimi.

During his rule, some noble families tried to challenge the government. However, the power of the Bakufu (the military government) grew stronger.

In 1298, Fushimi decided to step down and became a Cloistered Emperor himself. But just three years later, in 1301, the Daikakuji line managed to force his son, Emperor Go-Fushimi, to also step down.

Later, in 1308, Emperor Fushimi worked with the Bakufu. This led to his fourth son becoming Emperor Hanazono. Fushimi once again became a Cloistered Emperor, guiding his son.

During Emperor Fushimi's time, the two main imperial family lines, the Daikakuji and Jimyōin, were constantly fighting over who should be emperor. There wasn't a clear plan for them to take turns yet.

In 1313, the retired Emperor Fushimi became a Buddhist monk. This meant that the power to manage the court of the current emperor, Hanazono, was given to Fushimi's adopted son, former-Emperor Go-Fushimi.

Emperor Fushimi passed away in 1317. He is buried with other emperors at an imperial tomb called Fukakusa no kita no misasagi in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto.

Important People in the Court

The Kugyō were a small group of very powerful men who worked closely with the Emperor of Japan in ancient times. Even when the emperor's actual power was limited, these officials were very important. They were usually from noble families and had a lot of experience.

During Emperor Fushimi's reign, some of the top officials included:

Kampaku (chief advisor to the emperor)
Sadaijin (Minister of the Left)
Udaijin (Minister of the Right)
Nadaijin (Minister of the Center)
Dainagon (Chief Counselor)

Eras During Fushimi's Reign

In Japan, periods of time are often named after specific eras. These are called nengō. Emperor Fushimi's reign included these eras:

Kōan (1278–1288)
Shōō (1288–1293)
Einin (1293–1299)

Emperor Fushimi facts for kids

Contents

Who was Emperor Fushimi?

Emperor Fushimi's Family

Emperor Fushimi's Time as Ruler

Important People in the Court

Eras During Fushimi's Reign

See also